Hocking Hills State Park

Description

Hemlock shaded hollows and sandstone recesses draw nature lovers to this 2,356-acre park and the surrounding Hocking State Forest and adjacent Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. In spring or after a summer rainstorm, its many waterfalls are especially spellbinding. More than 26 miles of mostly easy to moderate trails (including some for bikes) traverse the park. Given that they skirt gorges, cliffs, and ravines, it’s mandatory that you stay on them. There’s plenty to see without going off the beaten path, though.

Two short trails---one indirect and gently sloped, the other steep and narrow, with numerous steps---take you to Cedar Falls, the park’s largest cascade. Short, easy trails also lead to Ash Cave, with its 90-foot cascade; Rose Lake, where you can fish for bass, trout, and catfish; and Old Man’s Cave, set in a half-mile-long gorge with three waterfalls and named for a hermit who lived here in the early 1800s.

Other popular natural attractions include Cantwell Cliffs, a deep valley etched into the sandstone by Buck Run, and Rock House, a cave with vaulted ceilings, naturally formed Gothic arch--like windows, and massive columns and which, according to local legend has sheltered the occasional horse thief or bootlegger.

Of the park’s 169 campsites, 156 have electrical hookups. RV sites are fairly level, thanks to paved pads, and can accommodate rigs of up to 50 feet. Among the camping amenities are a store, shower and laundry facilities, playgrounds, and a swimming pool. There are also three rustic cabins and 40 two-bedroom fully heated, air-conditioned, and furnished cottages. The dining lodge is open to campers and day visitors alike and serves lunch and dinner daily, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on summer weekends. Leashed pets are permitted in the park and campgrounds but not in the cottages.